Spain & Portugal Tour

Tour Description A fascinating tour of two colorful countries. Learn about ancient cultures, explore modern cities, and relax in the delightful climate of the Iberian Peninsula. During this tour, we will adapt to the customary later time schedule of Spain by departing at 9:00 a.m. and having dinner at 8:00 p.m. on several days.

Included FeaturesMeals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 13 breakfasts and 9 dinners during the land portion of the tour.

Call (864) 370-0394 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10983535

Tour Operator

Image Tours

Duration

15 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Difficulty Level

Difficulty Level - Moderate

Day

Destination

Description

Day 1

Overnight Flight to Europe

Overnight Flight to Europe.Refer to 'Preparing for your Departure' in your Trip Documents for easy check-in procedures. Take time to relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

PORTUGAL . . Arrival at Lisbon Airport.Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to your "Arrival Instructions" page in your Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your Lisbon hotel to check in and freshen up. Perhaps you will take a walk to gain first impressions of this vibrant city with its pastel-colored houses, brightly painted boats, broad boulevards, and mosaic sidewalks. This evening meet your fellow tour members during the "Welcome to Europe/Get-acquainted" dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

PORTUGAL . . Lisbon.During the morning hours, tour Lisbon with your tour manager. Highlights include Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries honoring Prince Henry the Navigator. In the afternoon, join the optional Sintra, Cascais & Estoril excursion or continue sightseeing in Lisbon. A great way to spend your time here is to go up to Lisbon's castle. Then walk the narrow, winding streets of the Moorish Alfama District. In the alluring shops you can browse the finest Portuguese products, such as hand painted ceramic tiles, silver jewelry, carpets, and embroidered linens. Tonight, consider joining the optional Fado Dinner. (Breakfast)

PORTUGAL . . Alcacer do Sal - Algarve & SPAIN . . Seville.Cross the Sado River at Alcacer do Sal. After a lunch stop, enter southwestern Spain, also known as Andalucia. Travel through the province of Huelva. It is from the nearby port of Palos de la Frontera that Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas in 1492. Your day's journey ends in Seville, one of the three largest Old Towns of Europe. With its cozy streets and outdoor cafes, Seville is a delightful city where people love to relax and socialize outdoors well into the evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

SPAIN . . Seville.On the city tour of Seville, a local guide will introduce you to the Plaza de Espana, the cathedral housing Columbus' tomb, Giralda Tower, City Hall and the tobacco factory of 'Carmen' fame. The afternoon may be spent as you wish. You can explore the Alcazar Palace (£9.00), the Flamenco Museum (£10.00), or the intriguing alleys and courtyards in the former Jewish Quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz. Seville's gardens provide a lovely setting for a picnic lunch. Of particular beauty is the Maria Luisa Park on the Guadalquivir River banks. Tonight, dinner is on your own to experience the regional specialties, or join to the optional Flamenco Dinner Show. (Breakfast)

Day 6

Algeciras

SPAIN . . Jerez - Algeciras.Tour a sherry bodega in Jerez with a short explanation on the history and production as well as a sampling. The Phoenicians introduced wine-making to this area in 1100 BC, and the distinctive beverage which later became known as sherry was further developed through refinements provided by the Romans and Moors. Jerez is also known as the training center of the elegant Andalusian horses. During your free time, you have the choice to visit the training grounds of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (£10.00) or to visit the Old Town. Continue to your hotel in Algeciras, situated on the Strait of Gibraltar. During the remainder of the day, you may choose to relax at your hotel or join the optional excursion to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Complete the day with an included dinner at your Algeciras hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7

Algeciras

SPAIN . . Algeciras.Spend this day as you like in the Port of Algeciras, one of the largest in Europe. Visit the lovely Plaza Alta, shop at the daily market, people-watch in the peaceful park, or relax at your hotel. If you would like to add another country to your travels, book the full-day optional excursion to Morocco (Note: This excursion must be reserved prior to and paid with your final tour payment). Return to your Algeciras hotel for a late dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8

Costa del Sol

SPAIN . .Ronda - Costa del Sol.Heading north, wind your way up the thrilling mountain roads to Ronda, whose unique town plan provides dramatic views over the Tajo Ravine. A local guide will share the history of this special village and point out photo opportunities. Your final destination today is Spain's Sun Coast. The Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga, is the location of your seaside resort for the next three nights. After an included dinner at the hotel, you may wish to sip a Sangria or other refreshment amid the festive atmosphere created by the many sidewalk cafes along the beach boulevard. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9

Costa del Sol

SPAIN . . Granada - Costa del Sol .This day focuses on the astounding Alhambra in the town of Granada. Alhambra means "Red Castle" in Arabic, but it is more than just a castle. The area is composed of five main sections: the Alcazaba (a military stronghold), the Alhambra Alta (the upper village), the Nasrid Palaces (which housed royalty throughout the Moorish period), the Charles V Palace (built for the Christian Emperors), and El Generalife (royal gardens and courts). Your local guide will share the fascinating stories and intricate details of this treasured site. Return to your Costa del Sol hotel for a late dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10

Costa del Sol

SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.A day for relaxation! Walk the beach, swim in the Mediterranean, or linger over a plate of paella during an independent lunch. The airy boutiques on the charming avenidas and along the lively beachside boulevard are a shopper's paradise, especially for Mallorca pearls, gold jewelry and Lladro figurines. For lunch and dinner, numerous sidewalk cafes offer traditional dishes from a wide selection of nationalities. For those who are eager to see more of the Andalusian countryside, the tour manager will offer an optional morning Malaga excursion (see page 49) and an optional Mijas & Country Dinner excursion. (Breakfast)

Day 11

Baeza

SPAIN . . Cordoba - Baeza.Travel to Cordoba, where a local guide will explain the cultural landmarks, including the Old Jewish Quarter, the 8th-century mosque built with the intent to surpass all others, the palace, and the Roman bridge. Take a stroll through the Old Town where splashing fountains decorate the patios and the scent of flowers fills the air. After an independent lunch, depart Cordoba to travel amongst the infinite olive groves and rolling mountains of Jaen Province. Your hotel for tonight will be located in Beaza, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The town is located on a hill, and a small open-top tram will take you up to the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

SPAIN . . La Mancha - Madrid.Head north through the region of La Mancha, the Arabic name for 'parched earth'. Make a morning stop in Valdepenas, located in the south of La Mancha's wine growing region. Along the way you will catch glimpses of the windmills made famous by Cervantes' story of Don Quixote. Ahead lies Spain's modern capital, Madrid, the final stop on your tour. Upon arrival, take an orientation tour with a local guide, including a visit inside the Prado Art Museum. Continue to your Madrid hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

SPAIN . . Madrid.You have a full day in Madrid to pursue your personal interests. Those who prefer more structured sightseeing might consider joining the local guide for an optional morning excursion to the Madrid Royal Palace. Three popular choices for afternoon sightseeing are the Old Town of Madrid (referred to as Puerta del Sol), EI Retiro Park (where you can rent a row boat on its Great Lake), or the Reina Sofia Museum (home to Picasso's Guernica). Tonight's independent dinner allows you to choose between the hotel, an outdoor cafe in Puerta del Sol, or the optional Madrid Dinner. (Breakfast)

SPAIN . . Madrid.One last day to explore Madrid. A favorite spot to finish your souvenir shopping is around the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. This lively square also attracts a variety of street entertainers. Another possibility for today is the optional Toledo excursion to one of Europe's most ancient cities. An included group dinner provides a final opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 15

Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.

Daytime flight back to the U.S.A.Transfer to the Madrid airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)

Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

The above departures reflect Land-Only per person pricing and TWIN pricing is based upon double occupancy. Any early booking discounts available will be reflected in the summary price after you pick your departure date, your accommodation type, and any additional options in the following steps. Please choose a departure date to continue pricing the tour.